Fresh food drive helps homeless

The Missouri River Communities Network held a fresh food drive in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Sat, 18 Jan 2014 22:03:41 GMT —

Shoppers at the Columbia Farmers Market got a chance to donate to a unique food drive today.

The Missouri River Communities Network held a fresh food drive in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

People donated cash and fresh food purchased at the farmers market.

Volunteers will give the donations to 3 Columbia emergency shelters.

The projectâ??s goal is to connect Columbia residents with healthy, local food.

Missouri River Communities Network spokeswoman Miranda Challeen said, â??When you buy local food and give it to others, youâ??re establishing a sustainable relationship with your neighbors. Youâ??re providing a sustainable relationship with your greater environment as residents. It all comes around. This is way more than just an ordinary food drive. Weâ??re very excited to be providing it.â??

So far, the program has collected nearly $500 in cash and more than 200 pounds of food.